Parade June 12th, 2021 11AM
Including: BMX bikers. 1 New BMX bike giveaway for children under age 16
The first BMX occurred at the Ransomville Cold Storage loading ramps where my brothers Jimmy Lynch, Jeff Lynch, Carl and Danny Weipert, to name a few, would jump their bikes off the end of the 6 to 8 foot platform. It became the popular spot for the Ransomville boys to hang out and show their stuff. Ransomville Cold Storage produced many broken bikes and broken boys. I was 9/10 years old at the time and a frequent spectator who dreamed of one day being able to do what all these guys were doing. The Cold Storage management came to know what was going on after hours and had to put a stop to this as it was far too dangerous. They were concerned about someone hurting themselves.
Several of the boys who were jumping started to put their efforts in creating an outdoor BMX track behind Agway on Ransomville Road. I remember they worked on this for many hours and many days moving soil and making jumps.
It was at this track a year or two later where I started to bring my bike to ride. At the time, all the big boys had grown up and no longer rode there. I rode over there, often, by myself. I also was an avid skateboarder at this time. I was the only girl skateboarder that I knew, especially in the metropolis of Ransomville.
During this period of time when I was skateboarding all over Ransomville and riding the track behind Agway, I was asked to join a BMX team sponsored primarily by Honey’s Pizzaria in Niagara Falls.
I practiced for competition at the newly converted horse barn at the end of Ransomville Road owned by the Dillars. Dillar’s was a National sanctioned track where many came to race primarily on Friday nights. There were also races on weekends for special events where racers would come from all over to compete. This was my home track, like Ransomville Speedway is to all it’s local drivers.
There was also another outdoor track by the Niagara Falls Airport in which many BMXers would gather on the weekends. This track was also a National sanctioned track. There also were several large events held here where racers would come from all over to compete.
I was racing weekly at the local tracks and often traveling to larger events in the eastern states. These events were very large, where riders from all over the U.S.A. and abroad, would come to race. They were sanctioned by the National Bicycle League, National Bicycle Association and the American Bicycle Association. I typically placed top 10 in most events leaning more towards top 3 in many. I had many co-sponsors providing me with attire and accessories for my bike. I had acquired over 300 trophies at this point which filled our basement. At this juncture, I was racing in 15 and over Powder Puff Expert class. I was recognized for being one of the top riders in my district.
One notable race was a National Championship held at the Michigan Coliseum in which I won first place and received National Champion Status. This was big stuff. I raced in the World Championships in Indianapolis later that year and wiped out in final. I still was able to place in the top 8 in the World. The riders who finished ahead of me were the ones I had just beat in the National Championships earlier that year. My goal was to be #1 in the Nation and the World. One of my very good friends did win the World Championships, Terri, “T” Fregoe from Niagara Falls, New York. She was my bestie at the time so I was very happy for her but still was disappointed with the outcome of that final race.
I continued to race the circuit and was invited to the World Championships in Japan the following year. I was in my Senior year at high school and wanted to spend time doing what “normal” seniors did so I hung up my hat with BMX. I still wish I would of travelled to Japan for the World Championships. I was content with my status but still had desire to compete.
I purchased a mountain bike years later and began competing again in Canada at some local outdoor tracks. My love for biking as a whole has never diminished. I am so thankful that I had this opportunity in my teenage years to meet new people and travel extensively. I am a lucky girl!
